Law and Social Inequality
one-way Exclusions
Seminar, private study
Please note that course information listed in the Arts and Science Course Calendar supersedes any information listed on the Sociology website.
For the most current course offerings, registered Queen’s students should consult SOLUS.
Course Description
This course explores sociological thinking and evidence with respect to law. The course introduces sociological perspective on law and provides background on Canadian and international legal institutions. We explore key elements of the concept of "law" and their relationship to justice, as well as theories of the social origins of law. The course also examines how people think about law, why they obey (or resist) the law, and when and why they use law or other options to resolve disputes. Finally, the course considers how law can be an effective tool for social change.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate knowledge of sociological perspectives through describing central claims and identifying scholars associated with each perspective.
- Identify main social factors shaping law and legal institutions.
- Explain the relationship between law and politics by investigation of electoral systems and law-making.
- Develop skills in critical thinking, research and communication, public speaking, and collaboration in relation to the sociology of law.
- Create a project that explores a law's origins, assesses its impact, and advances proposals for reform.
- Answer important questions about law and society. For example, why do we need laws? What is the role of law in society? In whose interests are laws designed? Are all citizens equal under the law or do some benefit disproportionately? Why do individuals obey the law? Why do we punish lawbreakers? What is the relationship between the law and social values and norms?